Policy research officer jobs in London, greater london

Citizens UK 

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation 

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting over 475,000 people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most.

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty.  As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions in order to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies.

Purpose 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced digital communications professional to join the Living Wage Foundation team as our Digital Communications Manager. The ideal candidate would have demonstrable digital communications skills and experience, on top of an enthusiasm for engaging supporters across our social networks, website and email communications. The candidate will be tech savvy and have experience managing social media, using a website CMS and other digital tools that will support engagement with the real Living Wage and other key areas e.g. Living Hours and a Living Pension, across multiple stakeholders.  They’ll also be an effective storyteller with an understanding of how to transform stories into impactful online communications.   

As part of a busy department of communications specialists spanning media, digital, you will play a critical role in shaping our digital engagement strategy through our website, social media channels and email marketing. As well as leading the team to expand our reach and build brand awareness through creative content, you will also have a keen eye for analytics and work with our partner agencies to deliver effective campaigns across paid social media ads, Google Ads and website management.  

The person in this role will line manage a Communications Officer who will offer digital communications support. The ideal candidate will be a patient and kind people manager who enjoys supporting the personal development of team members This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager at the Living Wage Foundation. 

 This role will play an integral role in shaping the wider communications strategy.  You will be working as part of a passionate communications team, with a strong commitment to the Living Wage campaign.  

Main Responsibilities 

Working as the Digital Communications Manager, reporting to the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, your main responsibilities will include: 

Social media: 

• Lead the team in the use of social media to increase brand awareness and impact; generate innovative approaches.   

• Oversee Communications Officers to monitor, manage, create and schedule content on our social media accounts, tailoring content to different channels and audiences.

• Establish systems for monitoring and evaluating key performance indicators and delivering to time and budget. 

• Manage paid advertising strategy on social media, overseeing relationship with external agencies. 

Website: 

• Work with developers to maintain and update website CMS alongside Operations team, support the team in creating news and blog content and help upskill colleagues to create content for the website.  

• Support on development of a members’ dashboard area to improve processes and enhance the accreditation experience. 

• Use insights and analytics to monitor the success of the website e.g. Google Analytics. 

Materials development and dissemination: 

• Ensure all work is completed within brand guidelines.  

• Roll-out a content strategy to support the digital communications and marketing strategy, taking responsibility for resourcing the workplan for the wider team and contractors. 

• Manage our newsletter and mailing lists with Living Wage Employers; looking for opportunities to improve content and impact.

• Basic design and video-editing support of communications and marketing collateral. 

• Support the wider team and employers with ad-hoc marketing requests and digital materials to support their work plans. 

Situational awareness and research: 

• Lead the team in conducting stakeholder analysis; identifying and segmenting audiences and their positions and interests.  

• Confident to test and learn from new digital and marketing approaches. 

• Identify new ways to communicate effectively with our internal employer network, by building understanding of our key audiences and employer journey.

Strategy development:  

• Participate in development of the communications strategy, contributing tactical and creative ideas around implementation, ensuring it is integrated with wider communications and campaigns strategies. 

• Shape digital engagement and marketing strategy, ensuring that plans deliver against the influencing goals; evaluating effectiveness of the strategy and adjusting as required.  

• Work with wider teams to support the development of tailored digital communications strategies  

• Manage limited budgets for the digital growth strategy. 

Reputational and risk management: 

• Appropriately manage and mitigate risk on our digital channels; developing processes and messaging when necessary.

• Demonstrate awareness of potential reputational risks and proactively develops appropriate protocol and messages, including expected professional fundraising standards.  

• Effectively represents the organisation with senior stakeholders  

External relationships: 

• Collaborate with Living Wage Employers and supporters to create engaging content and further Living Wage visibility online.

• Manage external relationships with agencies, designers and other contractors to resource digital communications work, ensuring quality and brand consistency. 

Campaigns and events management:  

• Develop creative digital marketing campaigns that promote our brand and further engagement objectives. 

• Create a digital strategy for Living Wage Week, including creation of the employer digital pack, overseeing delivery by Communications Officers.

• Provide digital support and advice for organisational campaign and event priorities.

• Establish systems for monitoring and evaluating key performance indicators and delivering to time and budget.  

Internal comms and knowledge management: 

• Identify gaps in our internal knowledge management in digital practices and strengthen these with clear processes and documents to drive best practice amongst wider team.  

• Provide digital support and advice to colleagues across numerous projects; this might include trainings on the use of digital platforms and trends, in order to build internal capacity and best support their work. 

• Act as a brand ambassador for the whole organisation.  

Internal relationships:  

• Line management of the Communications Officer. 

• Provide leadership on our digital engagement, ensuring colleagues feel supported, developed and valued  

• Ability to manage or coordinate staff across the organisation. 

• Ensure the work produced across the team is of high quality and reflective of organisational values. 

Contribute to CUK mission and its strategic objectives: 

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the function and the core mission of CUK/ Living Wage Foundation. 

• Reliably implement and participate in the development of cross-organisational policies, procedures, and values in the delivery of work across the communications department. 

Learning, expertise & DEI 

• Keep up to date with comms developments, good practice in third sector etc. 

• Train others with relevant and helpful advice and technical support 

• Proactive in maintaining own wellbeing and supporting direct reports in managing their wellbeing at work 

• Display self-awareness of DEI issues and the impact on direct reports. Act as a role model for DEI awareness and implementation. 

• Be alert to and manage the impact of DEI issues for direct reports and stakeholders. 

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Experience 

• Background in communications with experience working with digital tools, including analytics tools (E)  

• Experience working with multiple internal project teams (E)  

• Experience managing a team and manage work of others (preferably line management) (E)  

• Expertise managing social media platforms (E) 

• Expertise at managing a website CMS and/or leading on website UX (E)  

• Expertise managing email marketing (E) 

• Experience of working on integrated communication campaigns (D)  

• Proven experience of Paid Media platforms – e.g. Facebook Business Manager, Google Ads (D)  

• Experience of video production and editing (D) 

Key skills and knowledge 

• Wide range of digital skills across marketing and CMS platforms (such as Mailchimp,  WordPress, Drupal etc) (E)  

• Proficient in Google Analytics (E)  

• Proficient in content marketing and social media strategies across LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook (E)   

• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to tell stories (E)  

• Ability to manage external agencies and stakeholder engagement (E)  

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage and take responsibility for own workload, handle multiple priorities and to work independently (E)  

• Proficient in content marketing and social media strategies (D)  

• Proficient in SEO (D)  

• Strong understanding of brand and design principles (D)  

• An understanding of Citizens UK’s national campaign areas (D)  

Personal qualities & values 

• An enthusiasm for digital communications, coupled with a strong commitment to the mission of the Living Wage Foundation (E) 

• A commitment to the Citizens UK values: Solidarity, Kindness, Courage, Inclusion, Relational. (E) 

• A strong team player, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. (E) 

• Takes accountability (E) 

• Creative and curious (E)  

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to communicate responsibly and ethically about lived experience. (E) 

About the application process 

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Application timeline 

• Applications open 18th May:

• Applications close: 7th June 

• Interviews to be held on 16th or 24th June 

Job title: The Social Change Nest Financial Controller (Client Funds)

Role Purpose:

This role sits at the heart of our financial controls at the Social Change Nest and combines cash management oversight, payment operations and financial compliance. However, this is not a traditional Financial Controller position. You will work with the team to ensure robust financial controls, accurate reconciliations, secure payment processes and transparent reporting for our diverse portfolio of social impact clients. You will also be a key driver of operational improvement, identifying better ways of working as we scale.

About the Social Change Nest

The Social Change Nest (SCN) is a fiscal hosting organisation that removes the financial and administrative barriers preventing grassroots groups and informal movements from accessing funding. Since 2021, we have supported 700+ groups across the UK and internationally, helping them access over £50 million in funding for causes ranging from climate and housing to racial justice and social wellbeing. We also work closely with funders, providing Grant Distribution and Fund Management services, enabling us to support social action with confidence and transparency. We are at the forefront of fiscal hosting in the UK! 

We’re a growing business operating at pace. We’ve established a lot – but as we grow, we’re still working some things out. The right person will thrive in this environment and relish building out a future-facing finance function. You’ll enjoy problem-solving, feel comfortable handling multiple priorities at once, and seek collaborative solutions. You’ll be adaptable, able to shift focus quickly when things change, and ensure strong communication across the team and with clients to keep everything aligned. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Payment Processes & Systems Management

●Own and optimise the end-to-end payment infrastructure (banking platforms, expense management tools, Open Collective platform and accounting system integrations)

●Design, implement and monitor robust internal controls to prevent fraud, errors or unauthorised disbursements

●Streamline high-volume payment workflows while maintaining strict adherence to SCN policies

2. Bank Reconciliations & Treasury

●Ensure all client bank accounts are reconciled accurately and daily

●Investigate and resolve any variances between bank statements and the internal ledger immediately

●Track client cash positions to ensure sufficient liquidity for planned social project disbursements

3. Financial Reporting & Compliance

●Produce clear, concise financial reports for clients detailing fund movements and remaining balances

●Act as the lead contact for external audits regarding client cash and payment controls. Support the preparation of year end accounts and SCN’s external Audit as it interfaces with Client funds.

●Ensure all cash management and payment processes comply with UK Anti-Money Laundering supervision and relevant HMRC requirements

4. Operational Innovation & Client Service

●Proactively research and implement new financial technologies to enhance speed, security and transparency of client services

●Continuously evaluate existing workflows to eliminate bottlenecks and improve the client experience

●Lead the roll-out of new financial tools or system upgrades, ensuring smooth transition for internal teams and external partners

5. Leadership & Collaboration

●Line manage 1–2 members of the finance team, providing mentorship and support

●Being the point of escalation for the Finance and Delivery teams on more complex finance queries and dealing directly with our clients for financial solutions

●Contribute to finance team planning and lead on delivery of key projects

●Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders across the organisation

Skills and Experience:

Essential

• Professional accounting qualification: ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Head of Finance or senior audit role with a focus on cash controls and high-volume transactions
• Strong knowledge of financial governance, internal controls and compliance frameworks
• Experience in at least one of the following:

            -managing multi-currency transactions, FX impacts and global banking corridors

            -oversight of restricted funds, ensuring disbursements align with specific grant conditions and reporting requirements

            -implementing AML and KYC protocols and ensuring rigorous due diligence on all fund movements

• IT-literate and confident with leading technological change; advanced Excel skills and track record of implementing operational improvements
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — able to translate financial information clearly for non-finance stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail, and being comfortable with shifting priorities and emerging risks
• Ability to lead, manage, and work effectively both as a member of a team and on own initiative.
• Ability to think strategically, supporting the implementation of a financial strategy and suggesting appropriate changes to SCN’s services.

Desirable

• Experience in the non-profit, charity or client-services sector
• Experience in a fast-growing or start-up environment
• Understanding of power dynamics and community engagement
• Experience with innovative approaches to governance

 Location: London/Hybrid preferred – 2-3 days /week in the office

Reporting To: Finance Director

Contract: Full time, Permanent (flexible working considered)

Salary: £58,000-£60,000

Date Closes: Thursday 11th June

Right to Work in the UK required, no sponsorship available. 

If you an ambitious relationship-builder ready to drive growth, innovation and impact across high-value fundraising and partnerships this could be the role for you! 

Farleigh Hospice is a high performing organisation providing specialist palliative and end of life care for people with life limiting illness in the Mid Essex region. Our team at Farleigh has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community we serve and our work is only possible thanks to the incredible support of our community. 

The Role 

This is a pivotal role within our Income Generation team, leading our high-value fundraising portfolio including major donors, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and legacy and in-memory giving. 

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, you will shape and deliver a strategy and team to build meaningful, long-term relationships and maximises sustainable income, ensuring Farleigh Hospice remains a charity of choice for supporters and partners. 

This is more than a fundraising role - it’s an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with purpose, helping to secure vital income that enables exceptional hospice care in our community. 

What You’ll Do 

• Develop and deliver a philanthropy and partnerships strategy aligned to organisational goals

• Build and manage a pipeline of high-value supporters, including major donors, corporates and trusts 

Work closely with our corporate fundraiser to secure and develop corporate partnerships, creating compelling engagement opportunities and sponsorship packages 

• Ensure excellent major donor stewardship, delivering personalised engagement and relationship plans

• Oversee trust and foundation applications, ensuring high-quality submissions and reporting 

• Support the growth of legacy, in-memory and tribute giving

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team and volunteers

• Use data, insight and KPIs to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For 

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced fundraiser with: 

• Significant experience in philanthropy, corporate or high-value fundraising

• A proven track record of securing major gifts, partnerships or grants

• Experience managing high-value relationships and pipelines

• Strong leadership and team management experience

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills

• Strategic thinking combined with strong commercial and analytical ability

Charity or hospice experience is desirable, but most important is your ability to build lasting relationships and turn opportunities into meaningful income and impact. 

In return, we offer a great working environment, a competitive pay and benefit package, flexible working and a strong team to support you.  

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications) 

Farleigh Hospice is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where diversity is recognised and celebrated.  To achieve this we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Farleigh Hospice operates a six-month probation period. Positions may be subject to DBS Disclosure. Charity Registration No: 284670 

Interview Date: Thursday 11th June 2026 & Friday 12th June 2026

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Philanthropy Lead at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work, and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service
Solace is embarking on a new five-year fundraising strategy, with ambitious plans to double fundraised income to £3m by 2031. This voluntary income plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity, enabling us to do more to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls.

Fundraising at Solace works closely with colleagues responsible for winning and managing statutory funding contracts, and is situated within the Business Development Directorate, alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs teams. You will collaborate with colleagues within Fundraising, including Corporate, Individual Giving and Community, as well as across the organisation including senior leadership and Solace’s wider support and volunteer networks such as trustees and its lived-experience-led Shadow Board.

About the Role

Philanthropy has been identified as a key opportunity and will play a central part in future income growth. In this newly created role, you will lead the establishment and growth of philanthropy fundraising for Solace. Responsible for building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, advisors, senior volunteers and trusts and foundations, you will use your entrepreneurship and excellent communication and influencing skills to secure and steward committed, high-value, mutually rewarding funding partnerships for Solace.

About You

You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values and is an experienced philanthropy fundraising expert who will embed best practice, and grow and nurture the relationships that drive sustainable income growth. As well as managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with major gift potential, you will work closely with colleagues and allies to build a culture of philanthropy.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.